prayers & passages Sharing the Load

“You haven’t spent any time at all with your wife and children in ages because you are just too busy with work. Now I see why. You insist on doing everything yourself, because you don’t think that anyone else is capable of helping out. No wonder you’re exhausted. You simply cannot continue in this way. Let other people share the load.”

Does this sound like anyone you know? It is actually a contemporary take on words used by Moses’ father-in-law, Yitro (aka Jethro), in the Book of Exodus. Having heard about the Israelites’ miraculous escape from Egyptian bondage, Yitro sends word to Moses that he is bringing his daughter (Moses’ wife) Zipporah, and “HER” (not “his” or even “their”) two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to him. You would think Moses would be delighted to be reunited with his family. Instead, he completely ignores them, focusing solely on Yitro:

“Moses went out to meet his father-in-law; he bowed low and kissed him; each asked after the other’s welfare, and they went into the tent.” (Exodus 18:7)

After a celebratory meal with Yitro and the Elders of Israel, Moses goes right back to work:

“Next day, Moses sat as magistrate among the people, while the people stood about Moses from morning until evening.” ( Exodus 18:13)

Yitro is appalled: “What is this thing that you are doing to the people? Why do you act alone, while all the people stand about you from morning until evening?... The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” (Exodus 18:14, 17-18)

Moses replies that he has no alternative because the people have disputes to settle, and only he can make known the teachings of God. Yitro then instructs Moses on the basics of establishing a judicial system and the fundamentals of delegating authority: First, Moses should teach the people the laws of God. Next, he should find people who have too much integrity to accept bribes, set them up as judges, and have them adjudicate all minor disputes (think “small claims court”). Only those matters of a serious nature should be brought to Moses.

“Make it easier for yourself by letting them share the burden with you…” (Exodus 18:22). These words of Yitro are as relevant to us today as they were in the time of Moses. How often have we been guilty of taking on the burden of a huge task or project by ourselves, when we could have easily asked others for help? Conversely, how often have we allowed someone else to carry a burden alone while we stood by, benefitting from all their hard work?

Expanding this to our Jewish organizations, in order for them to survive as vibrant, compassionate communities, volunteers need to step up across the spectrum. Those who say “I can do it all by myself” not only deny others the opportunity to participate in the functioning of Jewish organizations, they, themselves face eventual burnout. Relying on one person repeatedly (or even on a few dedicated souls) to carry the burden for everyone else is not fair, nor is it sustainable in the long run. When we work together, helping and supporting one another, we nurture us all and ensure the continued growth and well-being of our Jewish communities. That is a legacy we want to leave for future generations.